CULTURE CLUB
New owner promises to maintain music traditions, create new ones
COUPLAND — In fall 2025, the Coupland Dancehall changed hands, calming fears it would close and instead passing the torch to new owners of the famed Central Texas boot-scootin’ venue known for acts ranging from Americana to rockabilly.
As generations come and go on the dance floor, Lightstream Presents employees said they are bringing regional expertise to fully realize the potential of the local jewel.
With the live-entertainment group at the helm, the Coupland Dancehall has recently undergone upgrades to the sound system, kitchen and restrooms.
The building’s antiques and history still shine; however, new tables and chairs level up the guest experience, Lightstream Presents said.
THEBOOTSCOOTINGBUILDING
The Coupland Dancehall occupies several buildings along the 100 block of Hoxie Street, steps from the railroad tracks and a historical depot. From the covered porch out front to the rustic interior, the combined spaces feature their own aesthetic.
Built in 1904, one of the buildings started as the Coupland Drug Store. Above the pharmacy, the town doctor operated a few examining rooms, and rumors have it that some of his patients might still come to visit.
Another of the buildings constructed in 1910 housed the Speckles Brothers Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes. By 1916, a restaurant and saloon opened.
Along the way, it was home to a local newspaper as well.
Though not a dancehall in its early years, the space was converted into a 7,000-square-foot live music venue by one of its former owners.
The Coupland Dancehall served as a backdrop for music videos featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Green and Kevin Fowler.
The site boasts movie credits as well, including “Lonesome Dove.”
Spotify used it to promote George Strait’s single “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” in 2019.
NEWOWNERS,SAMEVIBE
All the things guests love about Coupland are still there, plus now the new team said they are dedicated to continuing live-entertainment production. Regionally operated, Lightstream Presents owns and manages three other locations in Central Texas: Haute Spot in Cedar Park, The Backyard in Waco and Buck’s Backyard in Buda.
“Everything is done in-house and in collaboration with the talent. Our inhouse talent bookers work with touring acts to coordinate and respond to initial opportunities,” said Kurt Wheeler, Lightstream Presents partner.
According to Wheeler, the internal marketing team creates the media assets used to promote the shows and distributes them.
“We also actively work with local talent to fill support slots and shine a spotlight on regional bands that round out an evening of entertainment,” Wheeler added.
Coupland will host premier artists soon, and those shows will be labeled “Live in Concert.”
Other artists will perform for the traditional “Dance Nights.”
UPGRADINGWITHANEYE TOWARDDANCEHALLCHARM
After acquiring the Coupland Dancehall in October, Lightstream Presents went to work upgrading the space without diminishing the history, a company representative said.
Much of the work was completed in five weeks before reopening in November.
According to Wheeler, the company completed behind-the-scenes work, including beefing up the subfloor and renovating the kitchen. Many of the antique furnishings got cleaned up and moved to improve the flow during shows.
The antique bars are lined up against the back wall, leaving spaces near the stage available for guests. The boudoir portrait of a former owner still hangs above the bar, watching from her perch.
Another addition, a 3-foot riser next to the dance floor, elevates the second set of reserved seating. This allows unrestricted views of the stage and the dance floor.
Restrooms also got upgrades. The women’s received a glow-up; however, it still sports a full-length dressing mirror.
ASOUNDSYSTEMTHAT’SMUSIC
TOYOUREARS
Lightstream Presents books live entertainment at all four of its locations, bringing in talent that prefers venues with upgraded audio, a company official said.
In the initial renovation of the Coupland Dancehall, the historic site received a new, custom-designed audio system from the same team that outfitted Austin’s Moody Theater.
“Lightstream Presents takes pride in our attention to detail to the guest experience when it comes to audio. In partnership with Auvili and d&b Audiotechnik, the new audio system was custom designed to fit the space,” said Bryan Hagemann of Lightstream Presents.
The entire space was sound mapped under the guidance of d&b Audiotechnik, one of the top manufacturers of live audio systems, he added.
“We strive for even audio coverage throughout the space, creating an experience where there is no bad seat in the house,” Hagemann said.
The compact cardioid line loudspeakers, or CCL, combined with array processing technology, deliver perfect sound coverage, according to the company.
“The new system consists of brandnew CCL loudspeakers and SL Subs (subwoofer). This cardioid line array allows us to focus the sound where we want it and mitigate unwanted reflections where we don’t,” Hagemann said.
COMINGBACKTOCOUPLAND DANCEHALL
For decades, Coupland Dancehall has also served as a restaurant.
Starting with the Valentine’s Dinner and Dance with Rick Trevino, guests will see a rollout of food on select dates this spring.
According to John Bock, food and beverage director with Lightstream Presents, the dancehall initially will serve brisket, sausage and chicken, utilizing a smoker “that makes the whole town smell like barbecue.”
Lightstream Presents offers in-house catering for barbecue and fajitas, plus a full bar. The space is available for events from weddings to corporate gatherings, accommodating 500 people.
According to Lightstream Presents, Teen Nights will make a return in the spring as well.
For the latest show information and to purchase reserved seating, visit www.couplanddancehall.com.
For more on event planning, reach out to Bock at [email protected].
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